March/April 2022 Issue by The City Insight Magazine

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FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO Hello, devoted supporters! The spring season is a great time to start working on your health and wellness by focusing on the things that matter the most! Wellness Pro Solutions, a wellness organization that provides professional solutions for daily wellness, is featured in this issue. Muscle massagers, sleeping and breathing devices, aromatherapy diffusers, and other products are promoted. Wellness Pro Solutions is also a positive champion for autism awareness, especially since they reached out to us to provide more insight on autism to families. Please support them at wellnessprosolutions.com. In addition, you'll find articles about the upcoming spring season as well as other useful information in this issue. We recognize that your quality of life comes first, and then everything else falls into place. Allow this issue to serve as a resource to you! Final request: Please keep an eye out for new members of our Editorial Team who will undoubtedly add to our knowledge of the various industries we cover! Sincerely, Joseph Crawford

PRESIDENT & CEO FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Joseph Crawford jcrawford@thecityinsight.com EDITORIAL editor@thecityinsight.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kathryn Alley Joseph Crawford Meredith Duce Tanushree Kanungo Tobin Kapan Sheyenne Kreamer Reilly Miller Erinkate Mitchell Hannah Thomas Stephanie Whitten Brandon Williams LIAISONS Rene Daughtry (Technology) Lynn DelGaudio (Health) Jennifer Harris (Business) Sheyenne Kreamer (Non-Profits) SALES Visit www.thecityinsightmag.com/ business-services Or Call 919-881-4121 MARKETING Tiara Sanders CLIENT SUPPORT clientsupport@thecityinsight.com We have the following opportunities: • Contributing Writers and Editors • Sales Representatives and Affiliates • Internships Email hr@thecityinsight.com The City Insight, Inc is published bi-monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without the written permission of The City Insight, Inc is strictly prohibited. 2007-2022 Copyright All Rights Reserved

WHAT’S INSIDE BONJOUR SPRING!

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THROUGH SWEAT AND METAL

...13

THE MYTH OF THE LONELY SOLOPRENEUR JOURNEY

...16

KEYS TO QUALITY OF LIFE AS WE AGE PART 2 - STEREOTYPES: WHAT THE SURVEY SAYS? ...20 TRYING A NEW HOBBY? DON'T GIVE UP! ...24 THE RESTORATIVE PRACTICE OF "FIKA" ...26

COVER STORY WELLNESS PRO SOLUTIONS: PROFESSIONAL SOLUTIONS FOR DAILY WELLNESS! ...30 The City Insight, Inc. P.O. Box 28857 Raleigh, NC 27611 Phone: 919-881-4121 info@thecityinsight.com www.thecityinsightmag.com

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2022 BRIDAL TRENDS ARE BRINGING THE 80'S BACK

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BOOKTOK'S TOP 5 BOOKS OF 2022 SO FAR ...38 PRO DOMINANCE & PROMINENCE

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RECOVERY COMMUNITIES OF NORTH CAROLINA AND THEIR DIVINE SERVICE ...42 HOW TO SAVE MONEY AND REDUCE YOUR CARBON EMISSIONS WITH THESE 2022 GADGETS? ...45

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Bonjour Spring! By Tanushree Kanungo

We all expressed our love in the month of February and now it's time we move to the lovely weather of Spring. The season of spring is almost here and most of us are bursting with ideas of travel and gardening. Ever wondered what's so special about the spring season? Spring brings hope, inspires us and makes us believe that we can still fulfill those unfulfilled promises. The return of leaves, the blooming tulips and daffodils are all nature’s cues that we have crossed the long, dark winter nights. The days are longer, the sun rays are warmer and nature looks ready to burst out with colors. It all looks splendid. A lot of people will agree that longer daylight hours to an extent is sure a mood uplifter. It helps with better concentration and zeal to achieve the day's goals. In countries like India there is a festival called ‘Holi’ which marks the beginning of spring. People play with dry colors to soak in the sun and celebrate the season. When we think of spring we think of love which isn’t just about two individuals. True love starts with a little self-care. Many times while racing against the clock we

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tend to forget ourselves or pay very little attention to our bodies. True love begins with self-care and self-love. Self-care is never selfish. If you love yourself and you are at peace, only then you can start loving people and accepting your situations more comfortably. We had a life before Covid-19 hit us in different ways. We found different ways to fight it and deal with it. Life certainly has thrown giant balls of stress in these covid times which is why we all have been fighting extra hard to keep it at bay. In the process to keep our thoughts and spirits uplifted, we all have been practicing old hobbies or taking up new, learned a new craft, baked new dishes, or better, learned a new language. We all struggled to keep ourselves engaged and active. The tides are certainly getting calmer. We are slowly but certainly marching to our pre-covid lives. Even though it's early to completely let our guards down, yet we all cheer ourselves that we have made it so far. We all have made many lifestyle changes during these times and we should certainly hold on to the ones which kept us safe and healthy. Let’s start with a basic few reminders which should be on our list every day. Inspiration anyone?

Exercise - Love your body. Never be conscience stricken about your body. Our bodies, especially female bodies undergo lots of hormonal and childbirth changes. Accept those changes gracefully and work towards overall fitness. The overall goal for anybody is to be healthy and build better immunity. Start with any low impact exercise and gradually move towards anything challenging. Start simple. So just grab your water bottle, a mat if you want to start with yoga, or put on your exercise shoes. Yes, don't forget to turn on your favorite music. It certainly adds extra punch to your workouts. Healthy eating - We love to eat and indulge occasionally. Healthy eating hugely impacts our bodies. Try to satiate your thecityinsightmag.com 10

cheesecake cravings by having a single piece. Never deprive your yearning but portion control certainly helps to stay within the boundaries. Add more fruits and vegetables to your palette. After all, with summer coming up, who doesn't want to look great in that little black dress or a pair of shorts.

Water - Water, water and more water. Ditch those cans or bottles and stay focused on water. Boring, you bet! Add some lemon or mint or strawberry. Okay we know you have lots of ideas to make that glass of water interesting. So just start. Water not only just hydrates your body but does tons of other chores for our bodies. Well, after all those harmful toxins are flushed out of bodies, you will love that soft glow on your skin. Smiling already, so just start right away! Sleep - At some point in our lives we all wanted to throw that alarm clock away because we wanted some extra sleep. We wanted to steal those extra minutes before rubbing our eyes to open wide and start our day. Sleep deprivation is like refusing food to our brains. Our brains need it in the right amount to function effectively which is why it makes it extremely important to sleep well. Plan your time well. Let your favorite shows or movies wait a little longer while you catch up with your sleep. A good sleep helps to fight stress a lot better than just brooding over it. Stress - Stress is synonymous with each of us these days. While stressing, try to stress less. Well, easier said than done but stress thecityinsightmag.com 11

has huge impacts on our bodies. The heart is one of its worst victims. Try to manage stress with meditation by stealing a few minutes each day. Change will be noticeable, guaranteed!

Baking - Love cake? We all do. We do not need birthdays to bake or eat a cake. Try baking, it's very therapeutic and your family members will simply love and appreciate your effort as they dig into each slice. Vacation - It’s spring! No need to pack those heavy jackets to keep you warm when you are on your vacation. We all need a small break from our lives from time to time and hit a new road. You need not fly all the time. Pack some healthy snacks, your favorite clothes and zoooom to some countryside location. Soak the sun and it will leave you rejuvenated. Gardening - Most of us love flowers but do not have enough space to keep enough plants in our balcony or patio. Winters can be quite harsh for the plants too. It's spring and the perfect time to plant those seeds which will bloom perfectly by the time summer sets in. Gardening can be a big stressbuster and the end result of gardening will be purely joy. Sports - Adding a sport to your life is a great way to keep yourself fit. Any kind of sport takes away all the negativity and dullness from bodies and minds. Just make sure to keep yourself hydrated whenever you are playing any sport. These are a few elementary self-care ideas which we feel will make you feel enlivened and reinvigorated. Enjoy the season and catch you in the summer!

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Through Sweat and Metal By Brandon Williams

So much of daily life has changed compared to the past. Doing laundry, washing dishes, cooking meals, reading the newspaper, writing to do lists, and many other tasks were done by human hands. In the present day, many tasks have become much easier and less time-consuming with improved technology, including having to write main ideas on computers or smartphones. Machines heavily affect the whole world and will only continue to evolve to handle more complicated work, which could involve living amongst humans like us. Engineered Arts, a UK company, has been working on making humanoid robots for entertainment purposes, including theme parks and theatrical shows. Though with years of research, they’re able to develop machines that could interact with people like a real human. In the end of 2021, Engineered Arts had revealed an Ameca robot, a humanoid machine that's presented to look and express itself like a human. For over 12 years of development, Ameca was made using its robotic predecessors, Mesmer (a robotic look-alike of an individual) and RoboThespian (a robotic actor), to convey human emotions during its conversations. The major central system that helps EA’s robots be expressive

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is called Tritium, a main component that gives the robot faster response times, quick decision-making, become multilingual, and remote control for a human user. In the beginning of January 2022, Ameca was presented to the public in Las Vegas at the CES 2022 (Consumer Electronic Show) for a chance to make normal conversations. Though it didn’t answer every question correctly and can’t walk yet, it gave out huge first impressions for the people and its possibilities for improvement seem to only grow further from the results. Having robots live with humans seem like a dream come true, but not without some potential consequences. The Ameca robot appears very similar to the robots in "I-Robot," a 2004 sci-fi film which showcased a future of humanoid robots being incorporated into human life. Unlike the movie when the robots became hostile with their distorted logic, the Ameca robot is built with a system to prioritize specific demands and conflicts when faced with a difficult choice. What’s still concerning about the conflict resolution system is being forced to face a machine with glitched or hacked programming. Science isn’t always perfect, at first. Another worrisome consequence for robots becoming more prevalent is allowing humans to do so little. While it does sound great to earn more free time, it also diminishes independence while greatly increasing high security with machines. Allowing robots to do more simple tasks for people would influence sloth, similar to what affected the humans in Wall E, a 2008 film which involved humans being forced out of a polluted Earth. While waiting for Earth to be safe to live again, the humans stayed in space with advanced technologies serving their every need. Having their desires easily fulfilled by machines blinded their own senses, making every human become overweight and lazy without ever realizing their conditions. The future for human life with humanoid robots is drawing ever so closer. People shouldn't become highly dependent on advanced machinery. People should continue being productive by working alongside the machines rather than forcing them to improve humanity themselves.

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The Myth of the Lonely Solopreneur Journey By Sheyenne Kreamer

Our series of articles so far have encouraged you to look inside to see if there is “a song in your heart” that's asking you to make a difference in the world. We've encouraged you to identify some simple ways that you could be the creator you were designed to be, while starting to earn income on your own. So what's the number one thing that stops people from moving forward and contributing their puzzle piece for health, prosperity and peace in the world? In general – it's fear. More specifically, the fear of moving into the unknown – alone. Apparently the pandemic has spurred more people to move past the fear with NPR recently reporting that 5.4 million new business applications were filed in 2021. Do they have some myth-busting secrets that can help you move past those fears? I know first hand about the first myth that has been busted. It's the myth that you must do it alone. The pandemic has created the new world of virtual networking where you now have access to networking and support groups all around the globe – right from the comfort of home – utilizing an internet connection and video camera. While some of them do require a modest fee, I've seen hundreds of groups that are meeting with no fee involved! Those who do have a fee, oftentimes have free business training

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that surpasses anything you would pay thousands for in your local college. What's not to love! The second busted myth is equally as valuable to know. Collaboration teams can simplify your sales and marketing process, while helping you to provide a broader base of value to your own clients. Let me give you an example. My husband used to own an office equipment company. He specialized in fixing copying machines. Through his networking efforts, he found someone who specialized in printers, someone who specialized in computers and someone who specialized in toner cartridges. As a collaboration team, they created new value for their customers by offering a wider range of services. They created new prospects for each other by referring each other to their personal client base, thereby becoming each other's sales team. And, they created additional income streams for each other by agreeing to pay each other a referral fee when they received new business through another team member. Collaboration teams can remove so much of the fear, anxiety and stress of engaging on the path of solo entrepreneurship, largely because you are no longer operating alone. You do not have to

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shoulder the burden of doing everything by yourself. Think about this – none of these people are your employees. You agree to maintan your status as an independent business owner, and still work together as a team. The only time you pay out money, is when someone has helped you acquire a new client. That's called paying for advertising AFTER you have received benefit. What does this myth-busting information do for you? Can you start to picture yourself getting involved in creating something? The world is waiting for YOU to contribute your genius ideas! Let's do it!

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Keys to Quality of Life as We Age Part 2 - Stereotypes: What the Survey Says? by Stephanie Whitten

“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you was?” Satchel Paige (1906-1982) In the Western World stereotypes drive our culture, especially perceptions of aging. During my time in school, I quickly realized what that meant to my younger counterparts and how they viewed me in class. I went over my experiences in the last article, Part 1 in this series. I know that there are some perceptions that we take on in our lives through others’ lenses, but there are subjective things that determine how we move and feel in our world. How we see ourselves and our self-concept is important. Is it more important how we see ourselves or how others see us? What defines what we accept internally from external cues, thoughts, or comments? Truth be told I felt some kinda way when no one wanted me to be their partner in gym or any other class that I had. I never had that issue on the playground growing up, but by nature I have gotten older. Now I am on the other side of the fence waiting on the sideline saying, “pick me, pick me”, so I will not be the last one left just to walk on to a team. Yes, I was in gym class playing dodgeball, kickball, tag, capture the flag, etc. With children that were half my age and I say children because I had some on their age!! I knew my ability and I found myself wanting to show what I could do, but not kill myself in the process. Even though I felt 25, I was 48. I could look in decent shape all I wanted, but the reality was that I was not 18 or 25 years old, hell, I was not even close to 30 “LOL” “LOL”. thecityinsightmag.com 20

Actual expectations of how aging looks and feels to people of different age groups differ greatly and are shown in this research published in The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

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The chart shows that the stereotypes are emphasized way more than expected and that older adults have a better quality of life than younger age groups!!! How about that!!? Those numbers look good. How we see ourselves, aging has a great look in all the major areas of life and it looks balanced and positive. We Baby Boomers and Generation Xers are healthconscious, love being active and social, we embrace group fitness classes, rock climbing, martial arts, ballroom dancing, and going back to school to change passions!! How do you feel about the phrase “age-defying"? What assumptions do you challenge about aging? Provide some comments below. Come on over to @Whole-body Fitness and Wellness on FB, formally Stephanie Whitten Fitness. I provide mindset and life coaching and consulting through fitness and wellness. Embrace, Endure, Excel, Defy!! Embrace your journey, Endure life’s challenges, Excel daily, Defy the odds!!! Give life your “ALL”! Appreciate, Love, and Live—Life!

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TRYING A NEW HOBBY? Don't Give Up!

By Reilly Miller On February 13, 2022, history was made in the Olympic sport of speed skating. Erin Jackson, a new name to behold in the name of the sport, was honored as the gold medal winner in an exciting race for first. It may surprise you, however, to know that Jackson has not been a speed skater all her life. Only four months after stepping out onto the ice for the first time in 2018, she became the first black woman to qualify for Team U.S.A. Although the new terrain was unfamiliar, Jackson gave herself every opportunity to get out onto the ice. By going back to the rink day every day to get used to her new environment, she was setting herself up for historic success. By choosing something she enjoyed, and staying committed to her process, she was putting herself in a position where she would have opportunities to prosper. Although the journey may not have always been comfortable, her trust, and patience with the process, ultimately paid off. This story is a good one to keep in mind when taking on your next venture. Do you want to try something new? Become a better cook? Learn a new instrument? Even pick up speed skating? Whatever your new hobby may be, let’s talk about part of the Olympic recipe for success. Trust and patience are important parts of the overall process that will lift you to success. 24

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Trust the process! You may have heard the common phrase “practice makes perfect,” but I challenge you to tell yourself this instead: “practice makes improvement.” Erin Jackson’s historic gold medal can make it hard to remember that it took her four years to get to that point. Take the pressure off of yourself to be perfect with your new hobby and simply focus on improvement and enjoyment. Without the confinements of unattainable expectations, you may find more success.

Be patient with yourself! Setting expectations too high or putting too much pressure on the situation can stifle your enthusiasm. Without that enthusiastic spark that got you going in the first place, it’s probable your new undertaking won’t last much longer. It’s unlikely that your new meal, first song, or race are going to be perfect. Understanding that the ultimate goal is to enjoy yourself and improve with each session, you will alleviate the pressure of getting it right the first time. Mistakes are human, and part of what makes the end result more satisfying. It’s always a joy to cheer on Team U.S.A. at the Olympic games, but Jackson’s story of her first time lacing up the skates is what makes her victory so much sweeter. It reminds us that everyone starts somewhere, even Olympic champions. Photo source next to title and within article:

Azzi, Alex. “Erin Jackson Makes Olympic History with Speed Skating Gold.” On Her Turf, 14 Feb. 2022 https://onherturf.nbcsports.com/2022/02/13/erinjackson-gold-speed-skating-2022-winter-olympics/.

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The Restorative Practice of "Fika" By Kathryn Alley

Everyone deserves to have a break from the everyday mundane, and celebrate enrichment from new, diverse experiences and cultures. Part of what makes a vacation so needed and wonderful, is the purpose of thoughtful separation from business, work deadlines, and typical responsibilities. Burnout is inevitable for overworked, under-rested individuals without the self-awareness and pursuit of holistic rest. Sadly, it’s incredibly difficult to pause in our modern world. To actively choose disconnection and let the mind feel at ease. Most often, vacations take the role of a dynamic party and pleasure in an overload of activity. Waking up to watch the sunrise across the ocean waves, after a night’s rest of nearly four hours. Or anxiously waiting for the correct metro stop after a spilled cappuccino and misread work email crafted dizzying confusion. Amid bustling tour schedules, abnormal closing times for art museums, and the evening rush of restaurant crowds, there is little time for anything other than stress. We have allowed the fear of missing out on every possible source of entertainment, food, and Instagram post to consume our initial reason for traveling to begin with. Our minds desperately crave a true vacation. 26

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Scandinavia has discovered the secret to being truly happy on vacation. Along with the joys of IKEA furniture and the painted Dala horse, Sweden promises a more relaxed, sustaining tradition for your next getaway. The practice of Fika has completely changed the world of coffee culture and consumption through a dedicated mindfulness technique. Fika began as a response to 17th century prohibition on coffee beans and has now transformed the idea of a “coffee date” into a ritual centered on peace and quality conversation among friends, family, and the mind. Traditionally around 1:30 in the afternoon, Fika involves a sweet pastry or dessert bread (fikabröd) paired with delicious espresso and restful company. The practice can take place in a physical cafe or patisserie, or in the comfort of one’s home or hotel. Wherever is most comfortable and provides the greatest ease of mind, is the perfect spot. Likewise, there is no set time restraint for Fika. The break could range anywhere from fifteen minutes to two hours, depending on the needs for the day. Although some Swedish businesses highly encourage employees to participate in Fika, some managers require it, recognizing the immeasurable importance and value of rest on creativity and job performance.

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The most important part of Fika is the conscious setting aside of due dates and draining responsibilities to simply slow down and focus on the beauty of the present moment. This Fika state of mind allows you to mentally recharge without a phone screen or technology to distract. To purposefully pause and celebrate the renewed spirit of the mind and body when surrounded by loved ones who inspire true rest. Once you return to “the real world”, the practice of Fika and mindfulness doesn’t have to end. Whether on vacation or at home, setting aside fifteen minutes a day to prioritize your mind’s well-being is vital to decreasing burnout and making conscious steps towards a healthier, joyful lifestyle.

If you want to learn more about my program, please call me at 910.409.9553 or visit my web Source: What Is Fika Coffee - Exploring a Swedish Cofsites: Article lynndelgaudio.com and yestoyourhealth.fit. fee Tradition -... (eraofwe.com)

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COVER STORY

Professional Solutions for Daily Wellness!

By Joseph Crawford

Many people go to the gym or participate in physical activity in order to gain muscle, achieve a desirable physique, or improve their cardiovascular health, among other reasons. Exercise has been shown to have a variety of health benefits regardless of one's fitness level or age, according to scientific evidence. There are physical as well as mental manifestations of this condition. It is necessary to combine appropriate physical activity with healthy dietary habits in order to achieve physical wellness. Wellness company, Wellness Pro Solutions, focuses on products that provide maximum benefits to promote a positive wellness lifestyle, with the goal of helping people live healthier lives. Not only that, but Wellness Pro Solutions actively promotes autism awareness by collaborating with positive media outlets to provide regular content and useful resources for parents and children. Regular physical activity and overall well-being, for example, can help to strengthen your bones and heart, which are both advantages of being healthy. As an added bonus, it lowers the body's susceptibility to chronic illnesses while simultaneously increasing general blood circulation. Additionally, it aids in the maintenance of a healthy body weight while also alleviating the symptoms of despair and anxiety. The increase in oxygen capacity, the increase in energy levels, and the overall increase in physical fitness all contribute to improved overall fitness. 30

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Wellness Pro Solutions understands the difficulties that come with stress. Their muscle massagers are excellent for at the very least providing temporary or even permanent relief, as the various levels of pressure can relieve any tension with the push of a button. You should keep in mind that regular physical activity can help you improve your concentration and self-discipline, so make the most of your massages by regularly exercising. Having the ability to get up and go for a run or to the gym after work every day aids in the development of resilience and self-discipline in the individual. The consequences of this will extend to other aspects of your life as well. By placing physical appearance on a pedestal, society has elevated the significance of one's physical appearance. Your own body image, according to the Health and Fitness Association, has a direct relationship with your sense of self-worth and confidence. Wellness also ensures that the body has pleasing proportions, a toned physique, and a youthful appearance by incorporating nutrition and exercise into one's daily routine. The additional benefit of increasing energy levels and overall productivity is also a benefit of this method. There are some products available on the Wellness Pro Solutions website that can assist you with your proportions and shaping in the areas where you wish to see improvement. thecityinsightmag.com 31

Regular physical activity, with a particular emphasis on aerobics, can have a significant positive impact on your self-esteem, according to research. Those who have low self-esteem and confidence levels that are low or non-existent should consider this treatment option. In the process of working to improve your physical appearance, you will also be working to improve your overall sense of self-worth. Individuals' perceived attractiveness in the eyes of others is significantly influenced by their physical activity levels. This is true regardless of a person's size, weight, age, gender, or height. The outcomes of your work can have a wide range of positive consequences for your life. It not only facilitates in the attainment of general fitness and good health, but it also aids in the development of confidence and self-esteem. Otherwise, simply enjoy the great outdoors, and the benefits will follow as a result of your efforts. Having this level of self-acceptance serves as a foundation upon which confidence can be built. The magnificent flower of self-appreciation and self-esteem can bloom and reach towards the sky if it is planted in this fertile soil. Everything begins with the little things in life, the things that are straightforward to complete, and remember that confident people inspire confidence in those around them. This includes their audience members as well as their peers, their bosses, their clients, and

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their friends. Moreover, gaining the confidence of those around you is one of the most important ways in which a self-assured person can make themselves appear more attractive. Wellness Pro Solutions understands that your health and well-being are paramount, and it takes great pride in connecting you with products that make a positive difference in your daily lives. Oh, we have to also mention that you should look into its aromatherapy solutions if you want to heighten your senses through the use of essential oils. We look forward to being of service to you!

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2022 Bridal Trends Are Bringing the 80s Back By Erinkate Mitchell

The '80s are back, baby! Wedding publication, Bridal Fashion Week Online, predicts that we'll see a lot of puffy sleeves and bows on wedding dresses this year. But don't worry—they aren't our mothers' dresses. While 2022 trends are certainly borrowing from the 1980s, the dresses are upgraded, modernized, and elegant. Check out these eight trends that are making a comeback in 2022:

1. Statement sleeves Puffy sleeves are becoming popular again, but they're not what they used to be. While we can still look to Princess Diana for inspiration in this department, today’s puffy sleeves are a little more toned down. Instead of looking like giant marshmallows on brides’ shoulders, they’re often sheer and designed to hang off-theshoulder. Still, treat them as statement pieces on your big day. 2. Bows The '80s’ giant bows were admittedly a lot, but like the puffy sleeve, designed well, they can act as statement pieces. Big bows are once again being placed on the back of gowns, and smaller versions are being placed on sleeves, especially on off-the-shoulder gowns. They're a tiny homage to the '80s, without making people think, “the 80s called, and it wants its dress back.” 36

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3. Feathers While feathers weren't widespread on '80s wedding dresses, they were in everyday style. Four decades later, they’re finding their way onto wedding gowns. Think small, elegant feather appliques scattered down the skirt and train. 4. Layers Feathers, bows, and puffy sleeves are undeniably '80s, but there are more subtle style details that are hot this spring, too, including layers. The '80s wedding dresses were all about layered skirts and sleeves. Expect something similar in 2022: layered texture skirts, layered ru�e skirts, and layered ru�e sleeves. 5. Long Sleeves Full-length lace sleeves were also popular in the '80s, and while it’s a trend that has stuck around on and off since, 2022 is refining and simplifying the look. Expect to see sheer, fluted, off-the-shoulder, lace, and flowy sleeves this bridal season. 6. Lace There were very few wedding dresses in the '80s that didn’t have beaded lace appliques all over them. Lace has been back on the bridal radar for several years now. This year, expect full lace gowns, lace sleeves, lace necklines, and dramatic lace backs on dresses. 7. High Necklines High necklines were another staple on wedding dresses in the '80s. They went off the radar for a while, but they're coming back this year. In the '80s, dresses’ high necklines were often covered in beaded lace, but today, they’re simple and sophisticated, with halters and illusion necklines. 8. Princess Style Princess Diana made the princess-style wedding dress all the rage in the '80s. Because of shows like “Bridgerton,” the princess-style gown is trending again. A timeless princess-style gown, with Victorian flair through soft and romantic elements like lace and layers, is hot this year. thecityinsightmag.com 37

BookTokʼs Top 5 Books of 2022 so Far #booktok

By Hannah Thomas

In the past year or so, TikTok has become literature’s new best friend, with BookTok encouraging millions of Gen Z kids and teens to put down their phones and pick up a book (albeit perhaps a digital copy). On this app, millions of viewers are finding their new favorite book, whether that’s a romance, thriller, or young adult (YA) novel. Trends such as reading celebrity’s favorite books, 24 hour reading challenges, and book reviews have taken over the video app. 2022 is off to a great start with a stacked roster of books for Gen Z readers, here’s BookTok’s top 5 books of 2022 so far.

#1 Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover Colleen Hoover is probably one of the most well-known authors on BookTok. Known for her suspenseful romance novels that capture the hearts of Gen Z readers, Hoover has probably benefitted the most from the rise of readers on social media platforms. She released Reminders of Him on January 18th, and BookTok was quick to devour the novel and turn it into another sensation for Hoover. #2 Good Girl Complex by Elle Kennedy

Kennedy’s YA novel, Good Girl Complex, is a perfect example of one of BookTok’s favorite trends: sweet romance books with a thecityinsightmag.com 38

pastel-themed, hand drawn cover. This became popular in 2021, with favorites such as People We Meet on Vacation, The Love Hypothesis, and more. Kennedy’s novel is right up the lane of many young readers and is a perfect introduction for any Gen Z wanting to start reading again.

#3 The Maid by Nita Prose A thriller featuring a neurodivergent maid in her mid-twenties, a 5-star hotel, and a dead mogul, Prose’s novel is for those who still think reading has to be “boring”. An excellent introduction to the world of suspense and murder mysteries, Prose has been on BookTok’s radar since the release of this novel in January. The novel has also earned other acclaims such as the #1 spot on the New York Times Bestseller’s List and being picked for the Good Morning America book club. #4 To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara

From the author of A Little Life, one of the most popular books on TikTok in 2021, fans of the novel were excited to hear that Yanagihara would be releasing a new novel in 2022. Spanning 300 years, in three different timelines in America, with three very different settings. All three timelines are intertwined by themes of love, loss, identity, family, and other touching topics that Yanagihara is known for having an exceptionally skilled hand in writing about.

#5 The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

Another thriller novel surrounding family disappearances, Foley’s novel was just released this month but has already garnered a lot of interest on BookTok. Set in Paris with a missing brother and a building full of possible suspects, The Paris Apartment is perfect for BookTok’s target audiences. They’ll enjoy the twists and turns of Foley’s novel just as much as binging a thriller series on Netflix or scrolling through true crime videos for hours. We never thought social media would be the reason that the younger generations start reading again, but with so many great reads only two months in to 2022, readers can be sure to find great reads on BookTok all year long.

Pro Dominance & Prominence

By Tobin Kaplan

Lebron James and Mark Cuban are two of the most prominent figures in NBA basketball. Cuban is a very accomplished owner, as two teams in Dallas Mavericks history have won the western conference in the NBA, and one went on to win the NBA finals. Interestingly enough, that team beat the Miami Heat in 2011, which James was a member of. Cuban is an accomplished businessman and one of the most accomplished businessmen in American history. Like most superstar athletes, James has constant criticism and praise thrown at him because every move on and off the basketball court is subject to either intense credit or scrutiny. James has been a member of one of the NBA's most significant franchises in the Los Angeles Lakers since he joined them in the Summer of 2018. James accomplished an incredible feat very few basketball players that will play in the NBA ever will, and that's winning a championship as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. Before that, James made the finals eight times, once in 2007 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, three times with the Miami Heat, and then four times in his second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. So far, Lebron James has made the NBA finals eight times, won the NBA finals four times, and lost the NBA finals four times. Sports fans are constantly comparing Lebron James and Tom Brady, as their dominance has been pretty much unparalleled in the histories of their respective sports, Brady in NFL Football and James in NBA basketball. Recently, Brady retired despite the impeccable methods Brady has applied to take care of his body, which many modern medicine practitioners have 40

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criticized. Despite the criticism, Brady would go on to win four super bowls in the latter part of his career thanks to what he and his "body-coach" Alex Guerreiro call "The TB12 Method." The TB12 Method says the following is needed for high-level physical activity, not just athletic performance: "Pliable Muscles which aren't the same as flexible. They aren't soft or dense." The duo says dense, stiff muscles get hurt easily because they aren't resilient. Brady credits performing pliability exercises and eating foods in the nightshade family to perform at the level needed to accomplish everything he did to win four super bowls in the latter part of his career. James isn't a follower of the TB12 Method but credits his excellence to spending over a million dollars on his body. James has said he wants to play with the Lakers until he can't play basketball anymore. James wants to play with his son once he hopefully makes it to the NBA. Mark Cuban called his western conference foe "super-smart" for telling NBA teams that he'd play for them if they drafted Lebron's son. No one knows if James will or will not need the TB12 Method at all because of the rate he's going and how James takes care of his body; he might not need it at all to play with his son.

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and their divine service! Recovery from any kind of addiction is the stepping stone for an individual to lead a healthy and self-directed life. However, transitioning from one phase to another is a tedious journey; the complete recovery from addiction takes some time. This is where things like recovery programs and recovery communities come in, which offer a supervised environment. The basic treatment programs do not usually include an aftercare system; these programs do provide an extraordinary rehab environment but fall short of providing the long-term support that is essential to stop an addict from falling into relapse. The relapse rate in the US is estimated to be between 40% and 60%. This is where the recovery communities play a major role; communities such as the Recovery Communities of North Carolina include non-profit organizations. The sole purpose of these organizations is to give back to the community and provide mutual support that enables an individual to recover more efficiently.

Impact of Recovery Communities of North Carolina A recovery community drastically impacts the decisions taken by an individual and ensures that they find a way to commit to their new life. Here is a look at how the recovery homes have an impact on the lives of those who they serve. Expert Guidance The people who need help get expert guidance from the volunteers and house managers. These people are always available to guide the people struggling to maintain good 42

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behavior and encourage them every day if anything goes wrong. These places have a set of rules, and the staff motivates these people to follow these rules; however, if someone keeps breaking the rules, they face things like curfews. These places also keep a check and balance with regular drug tests that guarantee a clean environment.

Emotional Support One of the most important impacts of these recovery communities is the emotional support they provide. An individual can find people going through the same phase or find alumni who have been through this phase in the past. This creates a sense of empathy among peers and allows them to discuss their concerns confidently and find role models. The relationship with other people also eliminates the factor of loneliness that an addict might have been facing for a long time. Healthier Appearance An addict usually goes through a lot and loses all sense of well-being; it takes a toll on basics things like healthy eating, appearance, and personal hygiene. However, the recovery communities have a huge positive impact on these things. The addicts start noticing that things like their skin, eyes, and teeth are getting better because they have been eating healthier, drinking more water, and sleeping better. The end goal for an addict is to progress towards everyday life, and if it comes down to making a new life for themselves, they have the strength and courage to do so. It also provides a sense of independence as the person is now more comfortable with deeds like finding a job or establishing new healthy relationships. The freedom of choice is discovered by an addict who transitions back to mainstream life. We Are Here For You, So Contact Us Today! Please call 919-231-0248 to make an appointment Hours of Operation: 10am-6pm Monday-Friday You can also check us out online at rcnc.org

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Having the Conversation About Addiction Recovery, Wellness and Citizenship Through Advocacy, Education and Support? Recover y Communities of North Carolina May Have the Answer! RCNC Vision: • North Carolina promotes a culture that supports addiction recovery for individuals, families and communities • North Carolinians seeking addiction recovery have access to the highest quality care, services, and support

• North Carolinians in addiction recovery are equal and valued members of our State

• North Carolinians in addiction recovery have opportunities to achieve their fullest educational, occupational and civic potential • Recovery from addiction is a celebrated reality

We are here to help, visit us at: 5245 Capital Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27616 (919) 231-0248 www.rcnc.org

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How To Save Money and Reduce Your Carbon Emissions With These 2022 Gadgets? By Meredith Duce Buying sustainably reduces your carbon footprint and, more immediately, your money spent. In the summer of 2016, the top three favorite activities for Americans across three generations was noted as picnicking/barbecuing, hiking, and going to the beach. Coming out of the pandemic, things are looking different as we renavigate social activities, but with 2022’s new gadgets we can save money while staying safe and reigniting the feeling of Summer of 2016. Whether you’re planning to hike, picnic, or barbecue, today’s gadgets can help you save money and energy, sustainably. In America, the average carbon footprint for each person is 16 tons, but buying from a trusted source and reducing overall consumption is a great way to make an individual impact. Not sure where to start? A non-profit that helps to verify trusted sources for consumers is B Lab, an organization that certifies companies with a “B Corp Certification”. A company awarded the B Corp Certification must follow three criteria; they “demonstrate high social and environmental performance,” remain “accountable to all stakeholders, not just shareholders,” and exhibit “transparency by allowing information about their performance” x. A certification that verifies a corporation’s care for its employees and consumers and follows a structure of sustainability before profits. We can follow that structure in our own purchases.

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For our picnic and barbecue lovers, look to switching to reusable plates and utensils or save your extra food in a reusable food-storage wrap. Using beeswax instead of plastic reduces your carbon footprint and saves you money, as the washable wraps last for a year. Plus, before you throw them away, you can use your old food storage as a fire starter for your next barbecue. Into summer activities with more movement? Off-set your carbon footprint while moving with a backpack made from the plastic in our oceans. The plastics used in the backpacks were ocean-bound, mostly taken from the 1000 lakes that contribute 80% of ocean plastic. Solgaard sells packs in hopes of reducing our impact now and into the future, saving 229 plastic bottles from entering the ocean with any product. So, while you hike up your next trail using your solar-powered, plastic-saving backpack to charge your phone and keep your water cold, you can feel the weight of your carbon impact lifted from your back(pack). While a third of Americans enjoy hikes, half start their day with a cup of coffee y. Yet, as we start each day with coffee, coffee production actually emits more carbon than processing chickens, regardless of the following activities. Our solution: Overview Coffee. With regenerative agriculture, Overview prioritizes the health of the soil while maintaining high standards for animal welfare and worker fairness. Or well priced, Peace Coffee is a B Corp Certified company with a variety of coffee flavors. Don’t need these products? Great, reducing our consumption is an excellent step towards sustainability, but when you do need your next pool floaty or a s’more stick, buy from a company you can trust. So, while you enjoy the outdoors or the indoors, you can know you’re helping to sustain our hikes and picnics and beach days for now and the future.

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By Pre-arranging, your family is spared from making difficult decisions at a very difficult time. You will also eliminate doubts. Wondering what a loved one would have wanted is an added burden for family members who are already dealing wtih grief from their loss.

Pre-Planning Can Save You Money! You may select products at today’s price and not worry about inflation, because you and your monies are protected against it. It also helps your family to make informed choices ahead of time, instead of hasty and emotional ones that often occur at the time of need

How Do You Know if Pre-Need is for You? Whatever your wishes, they can be acknowledged and fulfilled in a way that will create a memorable service as well as a comfort for all family and friends.

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